Part 25: Chapter 5 (Part 1): Catching up with Feene

~Bonding Focus: Chapter 5 (Catching up with Feene)~

The thread has decided to elevate Feene to the to heroine triad. As such:



We've got a shit load of stuff to catch up on with her. We've only seen her general introduction and the first two events.

In order to put her on par with Narika and Chloe, we'll need to get through everything from Classmating 2 up to the current bond gauge max. While I did summarize her route, her popularity warrants an in-depth treatment. So let's get this rolling.


-Ritual Hall-



Yeah, I've kind of been slacking a bit on shoring up the Star Child forces. Need to remedy that.

I'm prepared. Please, whenever you're ready to begin.

Glad to see you're on board. Let's give it our best.

Understood.

I am still in the trial and error stage... But I will do the best I can so that a strong Star Child is born.

Don't overthink it. Just let it happen naturally.

New classes are really thin right now, but I do have two that I can showcase.



Bondsman is opened up by creating one of each of the base classes (so it's basically story gated). They've got a fairly good balance of stats, although they are a little slow and not especially gifted in magic.

Bondsman are spear wielders, like Paladins and Lancers. Their attack skills tend to hit from multiple directions and they also get access to Temple Chain, which is an attack skill that has a chance to boost the Chain Drive.

I really love their designs, personally. The eye patches are a little weird, but the 'half-scissor' weapon and thread hat is a cute combo. Plus, those suits are dapper as shit.

Which reminds me something I haven't pointed out yet. I love the suit designs in this game. Those AngelMarker suits look especially fucking sleek, and I wish I had the body to actually pull something like that off.

Whew... I see... It appears I'm getting more and more used to it.



And that feeling determines how strong the Star Child will be.

That's just my theory, but that's how I understand it.

I don't know if that's so much a theory as it is what actually happens. Either way, that's a good explanation.

Thank you.

But this is all academic. I must learn it first hand.

I believe in order to do that, I will have to touch you more... Though... It is a tad embarrassing to touch a man...



I'm not exactly fully comfortable with this either, you know. I might look it, but all of this stuff is still pretty embarrassing for me.

*giggle* It seems we share that trait. It's comforting to know that.

This Star Child has an even more fearless look than our last one. Let us both continue to grow.


-Courtyard-

(I don't see Feene around here anywhere. I wonder what happened to that Photography Club idea? She's hasn't mentioned it recently.)



Hm? A stray, maybe?

Meow meow!

Hey, wait a second. Isn't that Feene's ribbon? What are you doing with that around your neck?

Meooooow.

Do you want me to follow you?

Meow.

You're right. It is weird that I'm talking to a cat. I'll still follow you, though.


-Old Schoolhouse-

Meow, meow!

Calm down, I'm coming. Why the hell did you bring me here anyway? This is just the old schoolhouse.

(Huh? Is that Feene up there?)

Hmmmm... How does one use this duster tool?



(Oh, she left her camera on the table. Paparazzi time.)

Feene, don't move!

Wha...!?

*Camera flash*

Wah!?

O-Oh, it was you... What are you doing there?

I could ask you the same question. What's with the duster and head scarf?

Oh... I'm cleaning. The Academy has allowed me to use this classroom for the Photography Club. I was thinking of fetching you after I had finished cleaning, but... It seems you've already discovered the whole thing.

You should have fetched me sooner. Let me give you a hand.

Oh, no. I would really rather not be any trouble. I can handle this myself.

You sure? Might take a while if you have to study the inner workings of a duster first.

Uh... I'd prefer if you didn't mention that...



The folks back home begged me not to help out.

Then let me handle that. I really don't mind.

But... I have to do something. If it's simply hard labor, I should be able to handle it.

Then just focus on wiping the floors, then.

Um... I thought I told you in complete honesty about my shortcomings...

It's better than you being up on a chair like that.

Y-You're right...

As long as I'm careful not to step into the bucket and run into the blackboard...

Yes, I think I can do it!

Really? You're THAT bad at cleaning?

*Cleaning time!*



Thank you so much. I was able to finish so much sooner thanks to your help.

By the way, how did you know where I was?

There was a cat by the flower bed that led me here.

Cat...? Ah, that must be Stray. He was living in the flower bed, and when I fed him, he took a shine to me. But... I don't see Stray.

Huh... I could have sworn he was still here a minute ago.

Oh... The fish sausage I was going to give him later is missing.

My... What a rascal.

Sneaky little guy. Anyway, now that the cleaning is done with, congrats on the Photography Club becoming official.

Thank you. I didn't have much hope when I applied, but I was granted permission so quickly. Now I have an honest reason to decline the other clubs.

Looks like it all worked out. See? I told you to give it a shot. Oh... right. Here, this is your camera.

Oh, you took a picture of me, didn't you? I was thinking of sending that to my friends.

I may be the only member of the Photography Club, but I suspect I will be quite busy.

Hey, I could always help out. I'm sure there's something I could manage to do.



But you're welcome to come by and say hello, if you would like. I plan on being here most of the time after school.

Got it. I'll drop by whenever I get the chance.

Yes, please.

The sun will be setting soon. Thank you so much for all your help.

Fine Glass Photography is in business. Also, Feene sucks at cleaning. She has to have something she isn't good at of course. I think the game takes it too far by implying that this incredibly skilled swordswoman and talented athlete starts tripping over her own two feet when trying to push a broom or mop around the floor.


-Hallway-

(I should probably drop by Feene's club. Check on how she's making out with it.)

Hey, there you are! Are you free? Let's go grab a bite to eat on the way home.

Can't. I'm heading over to the Photography Club.

What? You joined the Photography Club!? We... We have a Photography Club?

Feene started it up. It's just her right now though, so I was going to help her out. I kind of pushed her to do it, so I kind of owe her some help.

A photo shoot... With just the two of you... Wait... Does that mean...

Chloootz... don't--



I knew you were going to say something stupid. How did you arrive at that conclusion?

Why else would you join a photography club where the only other member was a girl? Come on, photographs = nude, dude. It's the eternal dream of all men!

*Feene is drawn to the sound of Chlotz being a creep*

Is that true?

Waaah!? Well, it's not my dream! I'm not a barbarian! It's... Uh... It's this guy! He can't control himself, he's an animal!

Excuse me!?

I... must be going now. Sorry for bothering you.

*Chlotz fucking books it*

Get back here Chlotz! You're going to pay for that!

I-I see... He wishes to take those kinds of photos...



That bastard... *sigh*

Sorry about him. So, is the Photography Club off today?

Oh, no it's not. I was looking for you. Do you have time? I want to talk to you in the club room.

Yeah, I've got time. I was actually planning on going to check in on you before he showed up.

That's good to know. Shall we?


-Old Schoolhouse-



It's about that picture you took last time.

You mean when you were cleaning?

Yes, that's the one. The photo was very popular with my friends back home.

Is that so?

They swear they've never seen that side of me before.



What did they mean by that?

I don't know. I was hoping maybe you would know...

I can't really say for sure. They know you a lot better than I do.

Hmmm... It looks like there's so much more to photography than I ever realized. And the more photos I take, the more interested I am in it. I wonder how the folks back home see me in the photo you took...

Did you ask them?

I tried asking them, but they won't tell me. They told me that it was something I need to find out for myself.

Sometimes they tell me that I'm a bit slow. I wouldn't say I was slow at all on the battlefield...

So, I have a favor to ask of you.



You sure about that?

Yes. I want to send a whole bundle of photos that aren't self-portraits. If that's what they want to see, then that's what I want to send them. And I suspect that it would be a great way to study photography.

I really want to know what this side of me is that they've never seen before.

I guess I can help with that.

Why don't you join the Photography Club?

Sounds fun, but I can be pretty busy at times. Just a warning.

Of course, I wouldn't complain if you only came when you have time.

I-I've even figured out how I will repay your kindness... Um... Do you recall the conversation from earlier?

Which conversation was that?



But if taking such photos is what you most solemnly desire...

Feene, please don't take the stupid stuff Chlotz says as fact. That's--



I heard from Fuuko that you're also on the Fencing Team. So, it would be selfish of me to take your time without giving something in exchange. And... Then I heard that you like th-that kind of photo...

Feene, that was Chlotz being an idiot. I'm telling you--

O-Of course... I will only do it after you've learned to take artistic photos!



We'll revisit this misunderstanding another time.

The main takeaway here is that I am willing to help you out.

Th-Thank you! I will stay true to me word.

Oh... Come to think of it, do you have your own camera? Would you like to use mine?

I don't have my own camera, but I think it would be a good idea for me to get my own. We can't go juggling your camera around between us.

Really? Then let's go find you one together. I know a shop that sells good used cameras.

Sounds good to me.

*giggle* I'm looking forward to it.

Up until now, I never had anything that I would actually call a hobby.

This may be my first... And I've never been this excited to do something.

Of course, this all comes after defeating monsters. Photography is just a hobby.



Feene was oddly... insistent on that whole nude photo thing. I guess that's for the best. If Feene was like Serina then either Chlotz or Wake would have gotten a beating. Feene sort of has the fighting ability to lay a beating.

Anyway, no breaks for Feene. We need to fit a lot in. Straight ahead to the next Classmating event.


-Ritual Hall-

Ready to go?

I'm ready. Should I do the same thing as before?

That's fine and all, but you should really just go with the flow.

Go... with the flow?

If you insist. I will try to go with the flow.



I'm... still not used to these things...

I'm not going to do that, Feene. Don't worry about that.

Okay. Then please be gentle.

*Classmating happens*

I'm saving the other new class for the next update. Got to space them out as much as I can.

*pant* I... was a bit nervous this time. I never expected you to grab my hand like that.

Sorry. You held it out to me though, so I figured you were fine with it.

I-I'm not opposed to it... Um... I knew that contact would be required for the ritual... And you do obey certain boundaries, so I don't worry about that.

(Why is she so concerned with that? Is someone spreading rumors about me or something?)

But I just don't understand...



I'll try and be more careful about that next time. I must have gotten carried away with how comfortable the others have become with it.

Oh... You don't have to worry about that. As I just said, it's not that I mind it... I'm going to go outside and get a little air. I-I feel a bit warm... And I think I would prefer it you didn't see me like this.


-Old Schoolhouse-

Hey, Feene. I decided to swing by.

*giggle* Welcome to the Photography Club. Today is the first club activity since you joined the Photography Club.



I'm down with learning new things. Make sure you teach me the ropes.

I would be happy to. Now shall we go to the city?

I found you some cameras suitable for a novice.

Oh yeah. I forgot about that whole 'buying a camera' business.

So you went and did the research for me?

Of course. A promise must be kept at all costs.

You don't have to take that so seriously you know. It's just a little camera shopping.

There's no such thing as a small promise. Every promise kept will turn into trust.



I truly believe that.

You're really dedicated to getting stronger.

Wh-What are you saying? I still have a ways to go before I can call myself strong. If I'm not paying attention, I'll be too focused on my current self to progress.

That's why I repeat these words to myself from time to time. I am here today thanks to the support of many people... I must not betray the trust of even one of them.

Riiiight. So are we going to go get that camera or...?

Oh... I apologize. I'm going on, aren't I? My friends would always scold me when I went on so seriously. Please don't mind me when I'm like that. Now then, we should get to town before the sun sets. I hope we can find the perfect camera for you.


-Shop-

Let's see.... This shelf.

I recommend the one on the far right.

You mean this one? Why's that?



Holy... For that price it damn well better.

That's too much, even for me. What else you got?

Hmmmmm... How about this one?

It can fit in the palm of your hand and it's not too expensive.

Oh... The tag says that it's been modified.



Why would anyone go through all the hassle of cropping out curtains?

I'm a little envious of how innocent you are sometimes.

Anyway, I'd like to avoid having my name attached to a sale like that. How about I just go with this one? It's a little old, but it looks like it's in solid shape.


[Shop Clerk]: Ooh, you got a good eye there, buddy. That's the first magic-optic camera ever made: Raika. It required too much Star Energy to run it, so it was discontinued quickly.


Raika... I've heard of that before.



But why on earth would something like this be in the bargain bin...?

That sounds pretty badass. I'll get it.

Yes, it suits you.


[Shop Clerk]: Look, I'm sorry, but I just can't let you have it. It's a good display piece.


Are you or are you not selling cameras? If you want it as a display piece then don't put a damn price on it. Since it HAS a price tag on it, I want to purchase it.


[Shop Clerk]: Unless you have enough Star Energy to press the shutter release button, give up.


...

*Wake presses the button. You know, because he's GOD'S GIFT*




[Shop Clerk]: Er... Eh... Well, since both of you came to buy it, you both have to press the button!


...So that's how it's going to be, huh? Feene, looks like you need to do it too.

Oh, I must not have understood the conditions. Then allow me.

*Feene presses the button. You know, because she's an ELITE DISCIPLE*

Does this guy just never leave his shop or something? How do you live in Fort City and not know a thing about the saviour of prophecy and an entire rank of Disciple?


[Shop Clerk]: You can both do it!? Argh!


Ring. It. Up.


[Shop Clerk]: Urrrrrgh... Alright, I'll sell it to you. I am in the business of selling cameras... Go ahead, take romantic shots of you two, ya love birds! Damn it!


Wha...!?



I'm too young for those... kinds of relationships... Oh, er... But that doesn't mean we're doing anything outside of a relationship either! I see him with pure and clear eyes--

Is that so? How about you give us a look at those pure and clear eyes?

Huh...?

*Wake snaps a picture*

Wh-What!? Wh-Wh-What are you taking my picture for!?

Because that's the entire reason we came out here to buy a camera?

Y-Yes, but you shouldn't take photos of me like this! We can't let this poor shop owner get the wrong idea about us!

Oh, right. Speaking of that. Here's what I owe you.


[Shop Clerk]: Yeah, take it! You take your nice camera and your flirting and leave... *sniff*


*sigh* You really aren't listening, are you?


-Women's Dorm-

Thank you for escorting me back to the dorms.



This thing is awesome. Cool name and a cool legendary backstory. I am fully invested in this Photography stuff now.

*giggle* I'm glad you like it.

I know! Why don't you photograph some of the other Disciples as well? I'm sure they would all be happy to have their picture taken.

Not a chance.

Why not?

You asked me to get pictures of you. That means this camera is Feene-only until you figure out that 'other side of you'.

Is that so...



I'll get that perfect picture of you that will make it all make sense. Your friends will love it.

Yes, please do.

I really cannot wait to see what photo you will take.

So how many professions does this make for our hero? Handyman, Talent Manager, Magical Transformation Trinket, Paranormal Investigator, Scribe, and now Model Photographer.


-Old Schoolhouse-

And now, as is custom for the heroine routes, it's time we get acquainted with the Feene's Jerk NPC. This one is only a jerk to Wake though. She's a little....territorial when it comes to Feene. You'll see shortly.

Hmm. There's Feene's bag, but no sign of her. There's a note, too. "Dear sir, I am out photographing the Academy."

Even in writing she refuses to use my name.


-Flower Bed-

(Found her. Oh, there's that cat again.)



Aren't you lonely? You're always out here by yourself.

I bet you have friends and family back home, don't you? And do you wish that you could just go back to them? I do... I am... a bit lonely myself...

(That's... uhh... not what I expected to hear...)

There you are. I was searching the Academy for you.

O-Ohhh!?



I just arrived.

I-I see... Um... You didn't hear anything, did you?

No. Was I supposed to?

Nothing... I was just curious... Phew.

Ah... I see you brought your camera. Did you come for Photography Club?

Yeah. I saw your note at the Old Schoolhouse, so I went to look for you. Are you going to be getting pictures of the flowers today?

No, I was thinking of taking photos at the gym today. Would you like to join me? I have permission to shoot in there.

Sure. Huh, guess I'll be getting some pictures of you getting pictures.

*giggle* That's a picture I would not be able to take myself.

But please photograph the other Disciples as well. It would be boring if you only took photos of me.

No can do Prez. I need to stay focused on you. Those are the pictures your friends want.

Th-That's right, huh...



Why are you going through all this trouble for me?

I promised to help you. Promises have to be kept, right?

That's downright noble of you.

Okay, I understand. I'll let you take my photo! Just make sure that your photos do me justice.

Leave it to me. I've got this covered.

*giggle* Now, let's go to the gym.


-Gymnasium-

Looks like there's a Starball game going on.

Apparently there's a tournament coming up.

I was asked to take pictures so they can check their form.



Oh, Feene! You're here.

Of course. I owe you for lending your name for the founding of the Photography Club.

Oh, that's nothing. I mean, what I really wanted was for you to play Starball with me... It's such a waste of your good talent.

I didn't feel it was appropriate to interfere with your team.

But I will take plenty of pictures to try and make it up to you.

Sure thing. If you get any good shots, make sure to send them my way.



Yes. He's my personal photographer. He's going to take pictures of me.

Yeah, also the one saving you and everyone you love from being swarmed by an unstoppable wave of monsters. You're welcome.

Hmmmmmmm. Yeah, whatever. Let's get down to the important details. You're not planning to make a move on Feene when she drops her guard, are you?

What are you saying, Aya?

Like Feene ever lets her guard down.

Was... Was that a compliment? I bet it was, since it's coming from you...

Wow. That was no compliment. Feene, that was an insult.



Well, I don't really see myself as cute, but...

It was a compliment Feene. Aya's just a little confused because of all the times she's been hit in the face with a Starball.

All jokes aside. I don't want you confusing Feene with your half-assed romance.

A-Aya! We're not like that! Please, you're embarrassing me in front of him.

Okay, okay. That's all I wanted to say.



*Aya leaves*

*sigh* I'm sorry. I'll tell her that I asked you to take pictures of me...

I don't mind it. Let's just start getting pictures. We've wasted enough time already.

You're right.



What was that?

N-Nothing. Let's get started.

*Feene starts to leave but trips or stumbles or something*

W-Whaaah!?

Sweet shot!

*Wake snaps a pic*

Hey... I would prefer if you photographed me when I had a little more poise... *sigh* I'm sending these to my friends...

And that's why I got that picture. I bet they've never seen you trip over yourself like that.

You're supposed to be helping me...

You've already become obsessed with photography...

Sorry. Maybe I am getting a little carried away with this.




-Old Schoolhouse-

Alright, I've taken some good photos today.



Oh, before I forget: can I have your data as well? I'll send the photos you took to my friends back home.

You got it. Have fun looking through them.

Thank you. I will copy it immediately.

So, Feene. I was wondering something.

Yes?

Do you just leave notes like that every time I'm not here?

Oh that... Yes, I write it every time you aren't here. I thought it would be lonely, coming to an empty room after school.

Well, I appreciate it. The others usually leave me high and dry with that kind of thing.

Huh? Oh... It's nothing.



Oh, er, just a little!

I know you have lots of things to do... It means a lot to me that you come by as often as you do.

Oh, the transfer is done. Thank you, you can have this back.

Thanks. I hope there's at least one good one in there.

I'm sure there is. I'll check it later. I can't wait to see what pictures you took of me.

Now, let's end today's club activities.



If I'm out taking pictures, I'll leave a note for you.

Phew. Almost there. Back to classmating.


-Ritual Hall-



I suppose he wouldn't keep inviting me to this ritual if they weren't...

*pant* *pant* Sorry... I'm running late. Have you been waiting long?

Oh... N-No, I just got here myself. I hope that a stronger Star Child will be born to help you out more.

Same here. We've gotten some really powerful ones lately.

I actually feel somewhat relieved to hear you say that.

Now, let's both do our best.

*OoohOoohooo, touch her heart, something-something-something vague sex allusion*

*pant* *pant* *pant* Yes... That felt like it went well.

I believe a strong Star Child was born.

*giggle* Our child looks a bit like you. Please take good care of our precious child.

Oh, don't worry. I've got some plans for this one. They're destined for great things.

I think so too...

I feel like I had lost sight of something important.



Let us raise our children well.

Okay, you're starting to make it weird.




-Old Schoolhouse-

Let's see... These are photos of the Academy. These are photos I took in the city... And these are the ones he took...

*giggle* I'm a little ashamed to be looking at so many pictures of myself.



Find any you like?

Ahhh!

P-Please don't pop out of nowhere like that! *sigh* I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest...

Sorry. Wasn't trying to scare you.

Oh... no. It was my fault for getting so wrapped up in what I was doing. I'm sorry you caught me so engroosed in my own photo. I am so embarrassed...

It was kind of cute, actually.



That surprised look you had that little squeal you let out. I should have had my camera at the ready. Missed a prime shot.

P-Please don't say things like that. I won't be able to let my guard down at all...

So what pictures do you have in the pile?

Oh... Those are the photos of the Starball Team I took the other day.

That and pictures I took of some Disciples I know. And pictures of Stray in the flower bed.



So pictures of all your Academy friends, huh?

Huh? Friends...?

What? Is that not right?

Oh, nothing...

You know, now that I think about it, you're right.

But I have not done anything that would make me their friend.



Hey, you did her a favour by getting all those pictures of her.

But that's the only thing I've done... I don't think that makes us friends...

I have a feeling that Aya does not share your assessment on that.

Do you really think so?



Aya, why are you here?

I told you before, right? There's a Starball tournament between the Disciples and alumni. We won the preliminaries, and next is the championship. So as the Photography Club, I want you to take pictures of us in action. I wanted you to play in the tournament, but at least you can root me on.

Well, of course!

You helped me start this club, so please allow me to do that much.

It's a promise! Ohhh, and you. Have you been taking good pictures of Feene?

Not that it's any of your business, but yes. I've gotten plenty.

Hmmm... Whatever. Let me just say this.



Why does every rando nobody in this Academy think they can take me on? I'm serious, I could kill everyone here except for maybe Alec, Feene and Triche, without breaking a sweat.

A-Aya! Please, don't make things any more difficult for me...

I just wanted to warn him, that's all.

And sir, please refrain from making such horrible comments.

No promises on that one.

Alright, remember your promise!

*Aya leaves*

*sigh* I'm not so sure I can keep up with her.



Well, I'll be right there with you. I might not like her, but I have to be around to get pictures of you having fun.

Yes, please do.



What do you mean by that?

Oh... Never mind me. It's nothing. Let's just enjoy taking those pictures.

And we have to stop it there for now. There's just too much excitement in Feene's route for one update to contain.



Feene's last available event is actually a little short, and Classmating 5 isn't particularly long either. So I'll space out her remaining four events over the next two bonding updates.

Speaking of next time, we get to bring our other two focus heroines back into the spotlight. I hope you all had a nice relaxing time with Feene, because Chloe and Narika's routes have slowly become weird and concerning. That won't be changing any time soon.